Vehicle: 2006 VW GTI 2.0T DSG
Price as tested: HK$299000

Performance: Unlike the outgoing GTI which were powered by both 1.8T and VR6, the Mk5 version is powered by only one engine. This 2.0L turbocharged engine is great enough to forget about the front-bias VR6 without losing the delicate balance of 1.8T. This 2.0T FSI DOHC 16-valver engine is good for 200 horses and 207 lb/ft of torque. The throttle response is exceptional without the overly responsive feel that is so annoying in many so-called sports cars. It has excellent low-end torque while its very willing to rev into the redline. Matched with this motor is the world’s finest sequential transmission: Direct Shift Gearbox. This twin-clutch sequential combines the quickest up and downshifts with the flip of paddle shifters on the steering wheel, on the other hand, its also economical to run. It shifts quicker than any drivers who handle shift shifts without the bored of driving of driving an auto tranny with torque converter.

Handling: In terms of driving dynamics, the Mk5 GTI is anything but. Unlike the outgoing Mk3 and Mk4 generations which were oft-criticized by their softly sprung character. The Mk5 is firmly sprung enough to dubbed it a proper hot hatch. The spirit of Mk1 and Mk2 GTI have all come back with Mk5. All this thanks to excellent calibrations of suspension, springs and shocks while based on an ultra stiff chassis. VW engineers have done a marvelous job by setting a suspension that is firm enough for aggressive driving without losing the supple ride comfort. There is enough damping to absorb all the expansion joints and washboard pavement. On the other hand, the body rolls and understeer are minimal. As for steering feel, this EPS has provided excellent weightness and feedback for the keen driver. It has an overall reassuring and precise feel through the steering that makes GTI such a great driver’s car. Another area that makes GTI such a great car is the uninstrusive ESP. The stability control has a high threshold that allows keen drivers to have plenty of over and understeer fun before kicking in.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, GTI’s braking performance is as impressive as its handling dynamics and performance. The pedal feel is firm and linear. Its ABS also doesn’t kick in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Inside the new Mk5 GTI is everything you expect from a VW. It all starts with a great set of leather sports seats that provide awesome back, side and thigh supports. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Everything is put to where it should be. While the automatic climate control is superb, its also ergonomically exceptional. VW designers are also smart enough to put stereo on top of climate control. In terms of interior materials, its all up to VW’s usual high standard with plenty of soft plastic and tasteful aluminum trim on the dasboard and door panels.

Conclusion: The new GTI has resolved an age old dliemma of having a practical car that is also fun-to-drive. It redefines the standard of how a great driver’s car, as well as a true hot hatch, should be. In short, this little puppy will serve as a benchmark of a proper driver’s car for years to come.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 VW GTI
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5